Motor



E. W. BROWN.

MOTOR.

APPLICATION men MAY 3, 1921.

1,423,395. at t d uly 18, 1922.

4 SHEETSSHEET 1.

Wag/7 Wrmsss:

Edwa rd .2? Brown INVENTOR E. W. BROWN MOTOR.

I APPLICATION FILED MAY 3,1921. 1 fi 3,395, Patented July 18, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

,E'clurardflf Frolwn mvzm'on BY n W ATTORNEY WITN E55:

E. W BROWN.

MOTOR. APPLICATION FILED NIA YISI 192].

1,42 3,895. Patented y 18, 1922 4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

WITNESS:

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APPLICATION FILE 3 1921.

1,%28,395 I en d uly 18, 1922.

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WITNESS:

ilhliFED STATES rarsn'r orrics.

EDWARD W. BRO'WN, OF SPARKS, OKLELHOMA, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, OF NINE-TENTHS TO THE BROWN MOTOR COMPANY, OF SPARKS, OKLAHOMA, A CORPORATION OF OKLAHOIVIA, AND ONE-TENTH TO RUFUS IE.

ROOPE, O13 CHANDLER. OKLAHOMA.

MOTOR.

Application filed May 3,

T 0 all to 7mm 71/; may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD W. Brown, a citizen of the United Eitates, residing at Sparks, in the county of Lincoln and State of Oklahoma, have invented new and useful Improvements in Motors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to rotary. motors, wherein the cylinders radiate from a. hub and travel within a track of substantially elliptical formation, the pistons being actuatedv in a manner to provide a power stroke for each revolution, with the power strokes following each other in the same direction.

Oneof the chief characteristics of the invention, resides in providing a construction wherein a. part of the burning gases from each cylinder as it exhausts is conveyed to the adjacent cylinder about to tire, thereby ilurnishing' an automatic as well as positive ignition.

In carrying out the invention, I provide the hub of the motor with inlet and exhaust ports which are controlled by what I term combined bearings and hub valves, the latter being fixed relatively to the shaft, and in which the latter revolves.

Another important object of the invention resides in the provision of means for sup porting the said combined bearings and hub valves from the track, in a manner to permit oi. an adjustment so that these valves may be held immovable against the adjacent faces of the hub, to resist the pressure exerted through the ports incident to thecompression and power strokes of the motor, but not causing any unnecessary friction.

A further object oi the invention resides in the constructing of a motor for the elimination of a crank sh aft and connecting-rods, which in itself minimizes friction, while the component parts oi the construction are. as sociated in a manner to permit the motor to be very quickly assembled or disassembled as the occasion requires.

The nature and advantages of the invention will be better understood when the following detai ed description is read in con: nection with the accompanying drawings, the invention residing in the combination,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J uly 18, 1922.

1921. Serial No. 466,473.

construction, and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this application, like numerals oi reference indicate similar parts in the several views and. wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the motor constructed in acco'dance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view.

Figure 3.is a sectional view taken online of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevation showing in detail the manner of holding the pistons normally in contact with the track.

Figure 5 is an end elevation of one of the valves.

Figure 6 is a sectional view on line 66 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a detail view of one of the truss rods which supports the valves.

Figure 8 is a sectional view through one of the lockingkeys of the truss rods.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view of the upper section of the track.

Figure 10 is a. similar view of the lower section of the track.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on line 1111 of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a detail view of one of the truss rod supports.

Figure 13 is a detail view partly in. section of the means employed for holding the pistons extended to normally contact the track. V

Figure 1a is a side elevation showing a motor of the eight-cylinder type embodying the principles of the present invention.

Figure 15 is an end elevation of one of the valves used in connection with an eightcylincler motor.

Figure 16 is a detail view of a valve of the type employed when the invention is used as steam engine.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 10 indicates a group of cylinders which radiate from a hub 11. It is desired to have it understood that any number of cylinders may be employed in odd or even numbers without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A piston 12 is arranged to reciprocate in each cylinder, while journaledfiin each piston is a roller 13 for a purpose to be presently described. As illustrated, the motor is arranged to rotate within a track or frame which narrows from the top to the bottom the frame or track being of substantially elliptical formation and preferably made up of upper and lower sections 14 and 15' respectively. These sections have offset extremities which are arranged in parallel ism and secured by means of a yoke 17. There is one of these yokes 17 at each side oi the track, the yokes straddling the adjacent extremities thereof and are held in operative position by means of keys 18 which are passed through slots 1.9 in said yokes. The adjacent extremities 16 of the track sections are cut away as at 20 and these cut away portions unitedly define a bearing for the truss rod support illustrated in Figure 12. Each cylinder providedwith diametrically opposed slotsQl and 22. the former receiving the adjacent edge of the track, while the latter accommodates projections 23 which extend from the sides of the piston to prevent rotation of the latter within its cylinder. The rollers 13 above referred toare journaled in the pistons and ride over the ini' er edge of the track. These rollers are. normally held in contact with the track through the instrumentality of the means illustrated in Figure 13. which embodies a rod madeupot telescopic section's and 25 respectively, each of these sections is formed with a shoulder 26 and interposed between the shoulders and contacting the latter is a yieldable element, preferably in the nature of a coiled spring indicated at 2T. There is one of these rods ari-aiigedbetwe'en each pair of cylinders as clearly illustrateil in Figure 4h the section 24 having. its teriniiial arrai'iged in the groove of the piston in one cylinder, while the section 25 oi. the same rod has its terminal arranged in the corresponding groove of the piston of the adjacent cylinder. The yieldable element 2?, holds the sections of the rod e3:- tendeiil. thereby normally holding the rollers 123 in contact with the track. It is or course understood that use of the means illustrz'ited in Figure 18 is only necessary for starting the 111011-01. as the rollers 13 are held in engagement with the track bycentrifugal force. while the motor is in operation.

A shatt 28 projects beyond the opposite. ends ei the hub 11 through which it is extended. and this shaft is journfaled inthe combined bearings and valves illustrated. in l igures 5 and (3. There is one of these valves arranged at each side of the hub 11. the alves being of annular formation to receive the shaft 28. The valves are indicated at 29, and each valve is supported by truss rods are associated with their supports illustrated in Figure 12. Each of these supports consists of a substantlally rectangular member divided into two sections 32 by means of an intermediate cylindrical portion 33, the latter being received by the bearings defined by the cut away portions 20 of the track above referred to. Each section 32 of the truss rod supports is pro-' vided with an inclined face 34L provided with an opening for the reception of the adjacent end of the truss rod. These ends of the truss rods are provided with slots 36 which receive retaining keys 3? to hold the parts operatively associated, the keys being designed as illustrated in Figure 8.

The opposed ends of the hub 11 are provided with ports 38 equi-distantly spaced, and communicating with the cylinders 10, the fuel being admitted to the cylinders through these ports, while the burnt gases are also exhausted through the ports in a manner to be presently set forth.

The combined bearings and hub valves 29 above referred to are fitted on the opposed ends of the shaft 28 and are arranged in face to face contact with the hub 11. The inner side or face of each valve 29 is provided with an inlet groove 39 and an exhaust groove L0, these grooves being separated by a wall or partition 41. An inlet pipe 42 radiates from each valve and con'imunicat'es with the inlet groove 39 thereof, while an outlet pipe radiates from each valve and communicates with the groove 34 thereof. Each valve is also provided with a plurality of spaced openings as which communicate with each other by means of a passage as, whereby the burning gases exhausting from one cylin der is conveyed to the following cylinder in a manner to provide anautomatic and positive ignition for the latter mentioned cylinder. i

In the operation of the motor, the cylinders rotate ivithin the track as above stated,

the rollers 13 being normally held in engagement with the track through the instrumentality oi? the means illustart'ed in Figure 13. lly reason of the particular configiiiration oi? the track, it is obvious, that when" the rollers move over the narrow part of the track, the pistons are "forced inwardly, and when moved over the wider portion of the track permits the pistons to ruoie'oiitwardly in their re spective cylinders. When the pistons move hem the bottom center of the track out-- an-my intheir cylinder, a charge of fuel is drawn in through the pipe 4 2 into the inlet groove 39 of each valve 29, and thence into the proper cylinder through one of the ports 38 at each side of the hub 11. It is of course apparent, that the cylinders fire singly and in successive order, and that there are two inlet and two exhaust ports for each cylinder, at each end of the hub 11. The intake ports are fully opened during the intake stroke of each piston, so that the proper amount oi fuel may be drawn into the cylinder during the time allowed, for this operation. While the exhaust ports are also fully opened during the time of exhaust for each cylinder, so that the burnt gases can be completely expelled from each cylinder at the proper time. This fact coupled with the fact that the cylinders are always rotating at a comparatively high rate of speed, maintains the motor cool and at a constant and working temperature. As each piston takes in a charge of fuel incident tothe moving of the piston outwardly in its cylinder, the said piston is then gradually forced inwardly as the piston approaches the narrow portion oi the track, thereby compressing the fuel within the cylinder just prior to the firing thereof. Just as soon as each piston passes the top center of the track, the charge is ignited, and the explosion causes the block to rotate. As above stated, the power strokes follow in order and in the same direction. When the cylinder that is on its compression stroke reaches the top center of the track, its port 38 isdirectly opposite one of the openings as, the other of the said openings it at this time being in registration with the port 38 of the preceding cylinder, which has just fired. Consequently, a portion of the burning gases contained in the cylinder just mentioned or in other words, the cylinder which has just fired is conveyed through the openings Jrl and the passage into the following cylinder, namely the cylinder under compression and the one which is about to fire, thereby providing for an automatic and positive ignition for the latter mentioned cylinder. Spark plugs L6 are associated with the respective cylinders for the purpose oi starting the motor, and if desired, these spark plugs may be used in conjunction with i re automatic ignition ust described or their use may be dispensed. with subsequent to the starting of the motor, As each piston approaches the narrow portion of the track subsequent to the firing of its particular cylinder, the piston is moved downwardly in the cylinder, forcing the burning gases through the cylinder through the proper ports in the opposed ends of the hub 11, the exhaust grooves 40 and out the outlet pipes 43. I

It will be noted that the truss rods 30 are arranged at an angle with respect to the shaft 38, and that it is possible to adjust and regulate the amount of pressure of the hub valves 29 against the adjacent ends oi": the hub l1, so that incident to the compression and power strokes of the motor, the

inwardrpressure on the valves 29 will be just sufficient to overcome the pressure or force exerted through the ports 39 against the inner faces of the valves, and consequently the valves are maintained in proper position with respect to the hub without causing any unnecessary friction,

The lubrication is preferably taken care of? by mixing the oil with the gas, although. the lubricating oil may be introduced it desired through the valves 29. However, by combining the oil with the gas it is possible to lubricate all bearings without any further lubrication, making the motor practically fool-proof. It will also be noted that the motor eliminates the use of a crank sha'tt, connecting rod, and unnecessary bearings at all times to minimize friction with an increase of power, the only bearings being the valves 29, which can be either ball or other rollers oi any standard construction.

The construction reinforced by means of bracing elements 47, there being two of these elements fastened to the upper and lower sections of the track, and secured to the valves 29, thus providing for the de,

sired strength and rigidity.

It is a very easy matter to assemble or disassemble the various parts of the motor, and in order to disassemble the same, the keys 18 are first removed from the yokes, thus permitting the upper section of the track to be removed or separated from the lower section; the block is then rotated and the pistons singly removed from the cylinders, after which the entire block together with the truss rods 30 and their supports are lifted from the lower track section. The truss rod supports are then separated from the truss rods, and the valves 29 slipped off the ends of the shaft 28, and then the truss rods can be separated "from their valve. The entire motor can be disassembled in very quick order without removing a boltor screw. Manifestly, I have devised a motor which is not only simple in construction, but one which is very efiicient in operation and designed to develop maximum power.

In Figure 14, I have illustrated a motor oi the eight-cylinder type, the cylinders and other parts of the motor being constructed in the same manner as hereinabove de scribed, it of course being understood that the ports 38 are arranged closer together and in proper position at the end of the hub for the respective cylinders 10. The valves 29 as illustrated in Figure 15 are also of the same construction as the valves 29 above described except that the openings 44 which convey a portion oi the burning gases from one cylinder to the next or following cylinder are more closely associated as illustrated in Figure 15 so as to co-incide with the ports 38 at the proper time.

It is to be understood that the motor in its entirety can be used as a steam engine, in which instance a valve of the type illustrated in Figure 16 is used. This valve is indicated areas, and provided with diametrically opposed inlet grooves 49, and diametrically opposed exhaust grooves 50, each of the grooves 49 communicating with an inlet pipe 51, while each groove 50 communicates with an exhaust pipe 52.

\Vhile it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to what is herein shown and described and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as tall within the scope of what is claimed.

lVhat I claim is:

LA motor comprising a track of: irregular formation, a shaft arranged centrally of said track, a hub on said sha tt cylinders "a-diating from said hub a piston sliding in each cylinder and continuously contacting said track, each cylinder having a, port at each side thereof, and said ports being simultaneously utilized as inlet or outlets tor the cylinder. and stationary valves mounted on the shaft and arranged in face to face contact with the adjacent end of the hub for controlling said ports.

2. A motor comprising atrack of substantially elliptical formation, a shaft arranged centrally of the track. a hub mounted on the shaft cylinders radiating from the hub and a piston sliding in each cylinder; a roller carried by each piston and continuously engaging said tracln said cylinders having inlet and exhaust ports opening at the ends of the hub, stationary valves arranged on said shaft in face to face contact with the ends of the hub for controlling said ports, and obliquely disposed truss rods having corresponding extremities connected with said valves and the outer extremities associated with said tracln whereby said valves are etl'ectively held in contacting engagement with said hubs.

3. A. motor comprising a track of substantially elliptical formation a shaft, a hub mounted on the shaft, cylinders radiating from said hub. a piston operating in each cylinder means for normally holding the pistons in continuous engagement with the track. said cylinders having inlet and exhaust ports opening at the ends of the hub, valves on said shaft and arranged in face to -lace contact with the ends of the hub for controlling said ports. obliquely disposed rods connected with said valves and holding the latter against the hub, means adjustably connecting said rods with the track, whereby pressure of the valves against the hub can be regulated toovercome' the pressure exerted through said ports against the valves s resses incident a; the compression and power strokes of the motor.

g. Pt motor comprising a track of substantially elliptical formation, ashaft, a hub mounted on the shaft, cylinders radiating from said hat, a pistonoperating in each cylinder, nie'ansf'or holding said pistons in continuous eiigag'ement with the traclnsaid cylinders hax 'ing inlet and exhaust ports opening at the ends of the hub, stationary valves mounted on said shaft and arranged in face to face contact with said hub for controlling said ports, obliquely disposed truss rods connected with said valves, truss rod supports carried by the track and projecting beyond the opposed side's thereof. each support having openings for the reception of the adjacent ends of said rods, and n'ieans associating said extremities with the supports whereby pressure of the valves against the hubs can be regulated for the purpose specified.

5. A motor comprising an endless irregulat tiacln a shaft. a hub mounted thereon, cylinders radiating from said hub and having slots receiving said track, a piston sliding in each c linder, a roller associated with each piston; resilient means for continuously holding the rollers in engagei'nei t with the track, said means being diagonally arranged between each pair of cylinders and connecting the pistons of the adjacent cylinders, said cylinders having inlet and exhaust ports opening at the ends of the hub and station ary valves-mounted on said shaft and arrangedin' face to face'contact with the ends of the huln and said valves having inlet and exhaust ports as and for the purpose specified. l v

6. A motor comprising an endless irregular track; a shaft. a hub mounted thereon, cylinders radiating from the hub and having slots receiving said track, a piston sliding): in each cylinder, a roller associated with each piston, means for continuously holding ,iid rollers in engagement with the tracln said means including a. rod made up oif telescopic sections engaging the pistons of the adjacent cylinders a spring surrounding said rod and operating to extend said sectrons; said cylinders having inlet and exhaust ports opening at the ends of said hub and stationary valves arranged on said shaft and in contacting, engagement with theendsot the hub for the purpose specified.

7. A motor comprising an endless track, including two oppositely curved sections. said sections terminating to provide parallel extremities, a yoke straddling corresponding extremities and having slots. a wedge passed through the slots for holding said sections operatively associated a shaft, a hub rotatably mounted on said shaft, cylinders radiating from said hub and slotted to receive said tracln said cylinders having inlet and outlet ports, means for controlling said ports a piston operating in each cylinder, a roller carried by each piston and means for holding said rollers in continuous engagement with said track.

8. A motor comprising an endless irregular track, including two sections, clamping means for holding the adjacent terminals of said sections together, the adjacent extremities of said sections having opposed cutaway portions unitedly defining an opening a shaft, a hub mounted on the shaft, cylinders radiating from the hub, a piston operating in each cylinder, means for holding said pistons in continuous engagement With the track, said cylinders having inlet and er;- haust ports opening atthe ends of the hub, stationary valves mounted on the shaft and hearing against said hub, said valves controlling said ports, obliquely disposed truss rods connected With said valves for holding the latter in proper position with relation to the hub, rod supports including an intermediate cylindrical portion arranged in the openings of said track, and end portions projecting from the sides thereof, said end portions having openings to receive said rods and means for securing said rods to said supports. I

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

EDWARD W. BROWN. 

